RallyNorth.net

Manchester Central thrashes Salem

Friday, November, 06 By Dave Dyer
Staff writer

SALEM, N.H. — Fortunately, the Salem football team will begin its “second season” at home next Saturday in the Division 1 playoffs.

That will give the No. 1-seed Blue Devils something to focus on all week rather than dwelling on the end of their first season last night, which was nothing short of a disaster.

With its playoff hopes on the line, Manchester Central (6-4, 6-2 in Division 1) thrashed Salem (9-1, 7-1) by a 45-7 score that clearly reflected what took place on the field.

A victory would have given Salem its first undefeated regular season since 1995, but the Blue Devils performed like they had little to play for.

The Blue Devils had a punt blocked in the first half, lost four fumbles in the second half, couldn’t stop Little Green back Mike Cavanaugh, (24 carries, 122 yards, 2 touchdowns) and had precious little offense of their own.

Manchester Central had 15 first downs to just three for Salem, which got outgained in total yardage by a whopping 394-79.  Salem’s only touchdown came late in the game in a battle of JV players.

“We’re not proud of the way we played tonight, that’s for sure.” said Salem coach Jack Gati. “We thought they might be able to take it to us a little and gain yardage, but I’m disappointed in our offense. I thought we could do more.”

Max Jacques, the region’s top rusher with 1,601 yards prior to last night, managed just 59 yards on the ground, no one else had more than 10 yards for Salem and its only attempted pass fell incomplete.

Salem’s defense, led by Darren Brown and Joe DiPalma, was fairly solid most of the first half. But an opening 72-yard scoring drive seemed to drain the Devils’ energy and a 59-yard run by Sam Graham right after a blocked punt in the second quarter made it 14-0. A 26-yard field goal with four seconds left before halftime made it 17-0.

“I was happy with our first half, the way we played physical,” said Central coach Ryan Ray; “I think things got away from them in the second half.”

Indeed, Salem fumbled the opening kickoff of the second half, fumbled on its next possession, them fumbled away another kickoff and then fumbled on the first play of its next possession. All four recoveries led to Manchester Central touchdowns.

“We have to block better and hold onto the ball,” said Gati. “We’ll be working on those two things and trying to forget about this game. We have to get our confidence back.”

Salem will likely host the loser of today’s Nashua North at Pinkerton game.